by Phyllis Cambria
Classic tuxedos have a timeless look of elegance, but if you want to showcase your own style and add dash of panache, the right accessories can provide the visual punch you're searching for.
Create your own signature style with vests, cummerbunds, studs, cufflinks, shirts, ties, and button covers.
It was customary for the groom to wears embellishments that matched the style and color of the bride's gown and/or flowers. Groomsmen often matched any colors they wore with the hues of the bridal attendants' attire. However today you have the flexibility to select colors that coordinate instead of providing an exact match. Here are some ways to accessorize your design rights.
Vests comes in a choice of three to seven buttons and an almost unlimited assortment of colors, styles and patterns. And for men who are sporting a few extra pounds around the midriff, a vest can give an illusion of a long, slim look.
There's few things that will destroy your polished look as quickly as seeing a wrinkled shirt back with just a narrow band of ribbon from your vest's fabric fastened at your waist. So, if you think there might be a chance you'll remove your jacket during the reception, select a vest with a full, (preferably matching) fabric back.
Cummerbunds should be worn only by those fortunate few with a slim waist. They add bulk to your line and tend to ride up during a fast dance, so be cautious before selecting this traditional style. However, if you choose to wear a cummerbund, the pleats go up. No, it's not to catch crumbs when you eat (although if you don't use a napkin, that's exactly what will happen). Originally (and in some better versions still are) cummerbunds were fit with a small pocket on the right side to hold small items like theatre tickets (or perhaps a ring?).
Ties are another opportunity to help you create your special look. You can choose a classic do-it-yourself bow tie (clip-ons are frowned upon), or, if you're wearing a morning coat or cutaway, an ascot or a four-in-hand (which is similar to a tie you wear with a business suit) are the acceptable tie options.
Attractive button covers, studs and cuff links can dress up a basic tux shirt and give it an individual flair.
Another way to give new life to a standard tux is with your choice of shirt. You may choose a spread collar shirt which looks like one worn with a business suit. However, by adding studs or button covers, you can rev up the style factor. Wing collars are the most conventional style of shirt worn with a tuxedo, particularly with tails or white tie. Today, on the red carpet at TV award shows, the fashion runway or down the wedding aisle, many men are choosing a laydown collar or the banded collar. The banded collar, worn without a tie, is a more casual and comfortable look.
Remember, when you want to give new life to an already owned tuxedo or more style to a store rental, accessorize you design options.
Phyllis Cambria is a nationally-recognized, award-winning party planning expert, event marketing expert, author and sought-after speaker. Her lively and useful seminars and her ingenious and easy-to-follow advice in books, magazines, newspapers and on TV, radio and websites have charmed and informed audiences everywhere.